Essentials of Orchestration: Book

Name: Essentials of Orchestration: Book
Brand: Alfred Music
SKU: 00-32757
Price: 11.95 USD
Availability: InStock

By Dave Black and Tom Gerou

Item: 00-32757

$11.95

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At last, a quick reference orchestration book tailor-made for the teacher, student, or professional musician on a budget. Useful for the composer, orchestrator, arranger, performer, or enthusiast, Essentials of Orchestration is full of the most-needed information on more than 150 instruments. This book includes instrument ranges, general characteristics, tone quality descriptions, technical pitfalls, useful scoring tips, and much more!

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Publisher: Alfred Music

Page Count: 84

ISBN10: 0-7390-6084-8

ISBN13: 978-0-7390-6084-1

UPC: 038081356525

SKU: 00-32757

More about this title

About the Author: Dave Black

Dave Black is a percussionist and composer whose prolific output spans performance, composition, and music education. Educated at California State University, Northridge, he has performed and recorded with established entertainers and touring productions worldwide. His compositional catalog includes more than 60 works published by major music houses, many of which have been commercially recorded and licensed for television and film, including the motion picture Drumline.

Black's influence on music education runs deep. He has authored or co-authored over 30 educational texts, most notably Alfred's Drum Method, Book 1 and Sound Innovations for Concert Band. His recognitions include 26 consecutive ASCAP Popular Composer Awards, two GRAMMY Award participation certificates, the Percussive Arts Society President's Industry Award, and a certified Gold Record for half a million units sold. His materials have reached millions of young musicians globally, making him one of the best-selling percussion educators in the world.

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Why we love this

This book answers the questions that come up constantly in the rehearsal room: what are the actual playable ranges, how does this instrument really sound, what should I avoid writing? Rather than forcing you to cross-reference multiple sources or rely on intuition, you get straightforward, usable information on over 150 instruments in one compact volume. Teachers and student arrangers especially appreciate the focus on practical scoring advice over theoretical abstraction.

Who it's for

Composers, orchestrators, and arrangers at any level who need fast, reliable instrument information without consulting a library of reference texts. Music teachers preparing orchestration lessons, student musicians learning to write or arrange for ensemble, and professionals working on deadline who value accuracy over exhaustive historical detail.

How to use it

Keep this on the stand during composition and arranging classes as the go-to reference for instrument ranges and characteristics. It's equally useful in the rehearsal room when a student asks why a particular passage sounds muddy or what the oboe can realistically play at tempo. Pair it with score study and ear training to deepen understanding of orchestral color and function.

Skills your students will build

Understanding instrument ranges and transpositions across the orchestra
Identifying tone quality, technical capability, and limitations of 150+ instruments
Recognizing common orchestration pitfalls and how to avoid them
Applying practical scoring techniques specific to each instrument family
Making informed decisions when composing or arranging for ensemble